TIFF Compression

Syd · #1 11-19-2006, 09:47 AM

When saving a file as a TIFF what compression form should I use ZIP, JPEG or LZW or None?

Many thanks to anyone who can shed some light on this.

Syd

Doug Nelson · #2 11-19-2006, 11:28 AM

Avoid JPG. None is the best for compatibility. LZW is a good compromise between small filesize and speed. ZIP will give you the smallest files, but it might take awhile to save each time.

Syd · #3 11-19-2006, 08:53 PM

Thanks Doug. That helps.

Sincerely Syd

smiley guy · #4 11-20-2006, 07:00 AM

I don't know if this will be a useful answer or not... I never have used compression on tiff files, it defeats the whole purpose of using that format for me. If I want the highest possible quality from a file format it will be either tiff or psd as neither of those are compressed formats. If I want smaller file sizes then I switch to jpeg.

My $.02 CAD.

byRo · #5 11-20-2006, 07:16 AM

The compression of a TIFF file is not the same thing as the compression of a JPG.

LZW compression of the TIFF file is lossless, much the same way as a ZIP (or RAR) file. The quality is exactly the same - just takes up less space on your drive.

The only time that you don't use LZW is when there are compatability problems with the target application.

Rô